#WritersLife Tag

Hey peeps, I’m here with another tag post as I haven’t done one in a while and I thought this one was really fun. I found it on Cait @ Paper Fury’s blog, but it’s been floating around and I don’t know who made the original (so if you know, please tell me!). It’s a tag that focuses on some fun things in a writer’s life, so… here we go!

Write Fuel: What do you eat/drink while writing?

Whatever I’m in the mood for, but if I’m in the zone I’ll go for a long period of time without even being really hungry or thirsty. I like that distraction because then I don’t eat because I’m bored – I’m usually quite distracted!

Write Sounds: What do you listen to while writing?

I like to listen to Lindsey Stirling as the violin without someone singing to them helps me to focus. Even songs that have singing don’t bother me much if I’m in the zone enough. But otherwise I prefer the quiet – it’s easier to think in and I usually get a lot done that way.

Write Vice: What’s your most debilitating distraction?

Have you met my friend, Internet? He’s a pretty big, distracting fellow, and I think that he’s kind of awesome, but also really annoying at the same time. But, I love him, so I guess I’ll keep him around.

Write Horror: What’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to you while writing?

Hmm… I think perhaps I’ve had whole files just up and disappear on me before. I honestly don’t know. I try to block out bad memories as much as possible.

Write Joy: What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you while writing OR how do you celebrate small victories?

I’m going to do the thing Cait did and split this into two different answers:

Best Thing: I think the first time I completed NaNoWriMo was amazing. It was the first time I ever wrote a novel to completion. It was a huge feat for me and I’m really happy that I accomplished it.

Celebrate: I buy books! Because, I mean, what else am I supposed to do? Sometimes I’ll buy chocolate or binge watch shows, but mostly I just get books.

Write Crew: Who do you communicate with or not communicate with while writing?

I usually follow the hashtag #amwriting on Twitter and just post general updates, problems I’m having, funny things, and my progress. But otherwise, I don’t really talk to anyone about what I’m writing. I have a hard enough time summarizing what my story is about; I don’t know how I’d hold full conversations about writing with people.

Write Secret: What’s your writing secret to success or hidden flaw?

More double questions! So…

Writing Secret: Write the story you want! Honestly, if you want to write about a space pirate who falls in love with an alien and they make their home on Mars, surrounded by their pet rocks from Earth, then you do you, boo boo! If you’re really into contemporary, then write it! If you’re into fantasy – write it!

Hidden Flaw: I always compare myself to others and I KNOW I SHOULDN’T DO THAT. But I think every writer does it, no matter what stage of the game they’re in. I get it in my head that my writing isn’t good enough, or my story sounds too much like one I’ve read, or that no one will like it, but really… how do I know those things? I don’t! And I shouldn’t compare myself, and neither should you.

Write-spiration: What always makes you productive?

What is this “productivity” you speak of? I’m seriously horrible at sticking to writing, and I shouldn’t make excuses, but working full time tires out my brain and makes me want to watch anime for hours on end.

Write Peeve: What’s one thing that writers do (or you do) that’s annoying?

Write Words: Share one sentence from a project, past or present.

And instead of one sentence, I’m going to share a small excerpt from Abby’s point of view:

Her pack slammed against her leg as she didn’t hesitate as she lifted her foot up to the stirrup of the Colonel’s horse’s saddle and swung her leg over, kicking the stable boy’s hand from the reigns and grabbing them as she kicked the horse’s sides and urged the horse on. The beast instantly broke into a fast canter and drove her out and away from the men.

The wind tore through her hair and the fast pace of the horse just didn’t feel fast enough. She continuously urged the horse on, pushing him into a gallop, the only sound filling her ears the rushing of the wind and the gallop of the hooves on the hard ground.

She didn’t bother looking back as her pulse continued to race through her veins and a smile spread across her face. She laughed and sang as she made her way down the path and over the bridge that overlooked the river. She felt free. For the first time in her whole life, she felt what it was truly like to be free.

And there you have it! A sneak peek at a part of my unedited first draft! Woo! Even I didn’t remember this scene! (It’s seriously been 5ever. Like… I really need to finish writing the first draft.)

And that’s all for the tag! If you want to join in and do this tag, please do!

Let’s Chat! ≧◡≦

What are some of your writerly flaws? How do you celebrate the small victories? Do you need peace and quiet to write, or are you comfortable with noise?